Electromagnetic Piston Interrupter for Low-Loss High-Speed Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical protection systems face challenges in providing rapid and low-loss protection at high voltages, as current devices either react slowly and cause damage or introduce high insertion losses when operating quickly.
Innovation Solution
The development of interrupter systems that utilize a piston with an electrical conductor, an electromagnetic launcher, and a piston control system to rapidly open and close electrical connections, achieving low loss mechanical switching with fast opening times and high voltage galvanic isolation by using an electromagnetic launcher to induce a magnetic field pulse and control the piston's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional protection devices are used to provide low insertion losses, then energy loss is reduced, but the reaction speed becomes slow causing system damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable piston that dynamically transitions between closed and open positions to control circuit interruption. The piston's dynamic movement allows the system to maintain low insertion losses during normal operation (closed state) while enabling rapid circuit breaking when needed (open state), resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and protection speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional slow mechanical interrupter mechanisms with an electromagnetic launcher that uses magnetic field pulses to rapidly actuate the piston. This substitution of mechanical actuation with electromagnetic force enables microsecond-scale response times while maintaining the low insertion loss characteristics of mechanical contact during closed state operation
2Speed
If fast-acting devices are used to provide rapid protection, then reaction speed is improved, but insertion losses increase causing energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The movable piston dynamically transitions between closed and open states, maintaining low insertion losses during normal closed-state operation while enabling rapid opening for protection. The dynamic nature allows the system to achieve fast response only when necessary, avoiding continuous energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic launcher delivers periodic magnetic field pulses to actuate the piston only when circuit protection is required. This periodic action rather than continuous operation minimizes energy losses while maintaining the capability for rapid response when faults occur
3Speed
If electromagnetic launcher is used to rapidly move the piston, then opening speed is improved, but control precision of piston deceleration becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The piston control system incorporates feedback mechanisms including position sensors and piston arresting systems that monitor piston movement and provide corrective control. This feedback enables precise control of piston deceleration and positioning despite the high-speed electromagnetic actuation, resolving the contradiction between speed and control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The piston arresting system provides beforehand cushioning by preparing deceleration mechanisms (such as magnetic braking fields or mechanical stops) that engage as the piston approaches its target position. This pre-prepared cushioning prevents excessive force and ensures precise positioning after rapid electromagnetic actuation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These systems provide rapid protection with low insertion losses, achieving fast switching and high voltage isolation, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies by enabling quick and reliable interruption of electrical currents in high-voltage systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic launcher configured to, when activated, induce a magnetic field pulse causing the piston to move away from the electrical coupling with the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
an impulse force launcher configured to, when activated, induce a force on the piston causing the piston to move away from the electrical coupling with the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide interrupter systems comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; a piston movably located at a first position and electrically coupled with the first and second electrodes establishing a closed state, the piston comprises an electrical conductor that couples with the first and second electrodes providing a conductive path; an electromagnetic launcher configured to, when activated, induce a magnetic field pulse causing the piston to move away from the electrical coupling with the first and second electrodes establishing an open circuit between the first and second electrodes; and a piston control system comprising a piston arresting system configured to control a deceleration of the piston following the movement of the piston induced by the electromagnetic launcher such that the piston is not in electrical contact with at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode when in the open state.